Category: Weight Loss

40lbs Down

It feels so amazing to tell everyone I am down 40lbs. Nutrisystem has changed my life, it has made me see life in a completely different way; and allowed me to do things I never thought possible. It has given me my life back. In just a few short months I’ve already lost 40lbs with no intentions of ever finding it again. Nutrisystem has been so simple and easy to follow. There has been very little temptation to cheat because I can have all my favorites on this plan. Ignore all the other adverts on television that tell you, you will lose such and such weight with their program and join up with Nutrisystem today. You won’t be disappointed!

21lbs down!

I love that I have finally found a program that I can stick to. This first month has been nice
because I have been able to try different foods each day. I get to test what I like, what I don’t care too much for (which I haven’t found much that I don’t like) and what my favorites are. That way when I order my second month I can have all my favorites.

I only wish I knew earlier how good the raviolis were
and I would have ordered them again. But I will just order them next month. I am looking forward to being on Nutrisystem all summer long. It’s going to save me so much time and I know I am going to have good results now that the urge to have junk food has gone. I decided to post more of the Nutrisystem food and how I prepare it with dishes that are not of Nutrisystem; such as my power fuels and smart carbs.

Being a junk food-candy addict, I could never go into a grocery store without getting at least 2-4 king size Kit-Kat bars, or 2 whatchamacallits on top of whatever other crap I was buying. I’m not saying that I’ll never have a pack of M&Ms or a Kit-Kat bar again but it will be a long while before I do and when I do it has to, has to be in proportion. I’m proud of myself that I was able to go into a grocery store and not have the urge to buy anything. I was proud to drive by the DQ and not have the want to get a blizzard. It’s a good feeling to know that I am determined to do this for myself.

So I bought a few extra snacks at Walmart, just in case I do have an extra craving for a snack.
These are my go to items instead of binging on candy.

The granola bar was most definitely chewy but loaded with chocolate chips.I found it filling, I added some Greek yogurt with it.

For lunch, I like the Kung Pao Noodles, I added a little chili sauce to them to add a little extra kick. Then for a side I made 1 cup of mixed cucumbers and tomatoes and about a 1/2 cup of edamame; and just a very light drizzle of olive oil. (You gotta be careful with oil because it does have a lot of calories in it) and then crushed red pepper & regular black pepper. If you put a lid on the top and shake it up; the oil will spread so literally just a small splash. This was a very filling lunch for me.

Another good lunch is the Broccoli Cheese melt. I had it at work and my friend actually mistook it for a hot pocket. To me, the taste is the same as a hot pocket & the size is the same. Just this one is better for you.

My favorite, I love the frozen pizzas. One word…Delicious.

~RockyRose~

The Turbo Shake is quite thick. The first couple times I made it I didn’t really like it because I could still taste the power; I could taste the water and chunks of ice. So once I started blending it more it began to taste better.

I love the Nutricrush shakes because there is no prep work to it and it tastes just like chocolate milk. I also love it because the ad says “helps crush hunger” and that’s exactly what it does, every time.

I love the chocolate frosted donut. Usually I put it in the microwave for about 5-10 seconds. And then I dunk it in just a little bit of Almond Protein Plus Milk.

Another of my favorite breakfasts is the cinnamon roll. Again I just pop it in the microwave and I’m all set. It’s delicious.

The Loaded Potato has amazing flavor. It tastes much better than instant potatoes you would make from a box.

I also love the Three Cheese Chicken. It’s easy prep work; the noodles are never crunchy, so it’s easy to cook properly. And it is tasty and filling.

Chocolate for lunch? Hell yeah! My all time favorite lunch is the double chocolate caramel bar. I like it much better after popping it in the microwave for about 15-30 seconds. It melts quite a bit, and it tastes amazing!

One of the greatest things is as an Italian I love pasta. When someone tells me okay you can no longer have pasta that’s a huge downer. With Nutrisystem I can have Chicken Parm and Spaghetti, I can have Shells, and Rotini. Now of course, Nutrisystem pasta is nothing like Italian pasta that’s a given but it’s still very good, and I can still enjoy the things I love.

I love the Turkey dinners with a vegetable. This will be a great substitute to have on a holiday. For example, with Easter coming up. Usually at work we prepare this massive dinner buffet and we don’t serve off our menu. So after a long shift, we always get something off the buffet. Well, instead I can cook this up; and then grab some green beans and carrots from the buffet. I love the turkey and mashed potatoes.

Ah’ the absolute best dinner of all…The Chicken, bacon ranch pizza. It’s so good. I wish I had ordered more. For my next order I definitely will. It’s true what they say “It takes pizza to a whole new level.”

Desserts. Being on a diet program when you can have dessert. The Nutrichocolates can be a little dangerous because they are so good, but they are also very small and there is only a few in a package so if you have a chocolate craving it’s easy to over eat these if you order more than one package. I think they are great though.

Pizza puffs, they taste a lot like cheese balls. A great snack.

Finally a great ice cream bar for under 100 calories. They should just sell these in the stores. It’s one of the best orange cream bars ever and the same size as one you would buy in the store.

I also get cupcakes and ice cream. It’s delicious. Of course, you can only have one snack a day but each snack is filling. The cupcakes are awesome, the ice cream sandwich is just like a normal ice cream sandwich and the brownie sundae reminds me of Edy’s double fudge brownie except I don’t have to feel guilty about eating this one.

Nutrisystem isn’t for everyone. Food critics, people who are picky; people who haven’t yet realized this is a diet program so it’s not going to look or taste exactly like what you find in a restaurant or in the grocery store. Well then the program isn’t for you. You have to be willing to adjust to change and enjoy what you are eating because you know why you need to be eating this type of food for now.

Nutrisystem is such an easy program to follow as long as you are motivated and dedicated to it. I’ve tried a lot of the food that isn’t posted here and so far hardly anything I don’t like. There have been a few things, but I just learn from it, so next time I will order more of what I do like..Love-love-love the program!

It feels absolutely amazing to know that Nutrisystem IS working. I have been pretty religious about sticking to the program. Making sure that I have my meals, my smart carbs and protein fuels as well as my shakes. I haven’t had any cheats as far as buying processed food or candies or fast food which is a HUGE thing for me because like I’ve said before I normally cheat myself and that’s why these programs fail but not this time. I’m trying to be very dedicated to the program because I want to see results and I am…very proud to say I’m down 20lbs as of today. (Happy Dance)

I love being on Nutrisystem because I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything. I can have a doughnut or chicken parm, pizza or even an ice cream. The food is delicious, it’s not like other diet food where you have to force or choke it down. I love it.

I’m also opening myself up to different vegetables…Cauliflower, Orange and Red Peppers (raw), Kale, Brussel Sprouts, and Asparagus. At night, when I used to stop at the store for candy or cookies I now stop and buy a small vegetable platter with a couple Carrots, Cauliflower and Celery. So instead of sitting at the computer snacking on gummy worms. I’m snacking on vegetables. That’s a big improvement for me.

I’m not craving the junk food. I haven’t had any urges to stop and get fast food or cheat myself. It’s a very good feeling, because it’s giving me extra motivation to believe that you know I CAN DO THIS.

Today was the first day since I’ve been on Nutrisystem where I really had to test my strength and determination for this program. As I said in a previous entry “you are not bound to Nutrisystem food alone, if you want to go out then go but make wise choices.” So after work today there was a gathering at my Nonna’s for dinner. Pizza night!!! Normally on a pizza night I could easily eat three slices plus whatever dessert was…it was cheesecake!!! (YIKES)

Sometimes when I’m on a program I feel like if I don’t get my junk food fix somehow I just won’t make it. Like the world will end, it will turn upside down and I’ll fall right off. My mind purposely works against me when I’m on a program often telling myself to just give up which is why I’m still overweight to this day.

So today was the challenge….Could I set a limit and make a wise choice?

…Here’s how I got on….

I had one piece of broccoli and cheese pizza and I said NO to CHEESECAKE!!!(HAPPY DANCE)

WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER

I skipped my Nutrisystem dinner and also my Nutrisystem snack because I did have 1/2 a pizzelle. I was very pleased with how I did. I didn’t feel guilty when I left. I didn’t feel like I had missed out on anything and you know what the world didn’t end because I didn’t eat a piece of cheesecake…in fact I think my world is just beginning…

Since I’ve started this program, and it’s only been a few days (but I have done the program in the past before which had nice results) anyway a lot of people though have asked me many questions or said comments about Nutrisystem. This is what I tell them.

Question: Doesn’t Nutrisystem limit you, how can you go out to eat when your on that program?

Your not strictly bound to anything. If you want to eat out…Eat out!You’re not on a program like the Biggest Loser or getting weighed in during weekly meetings where you have to feel bad if you gained a couple pounds or go to the gym like crazy in an attempt to work off the 2lbs you might have gained. I would tell you that it’s not recommended to go out every single night or say to yourself, well I’m going to do a Nutrisystem breakfast, a Panera lunch and then grab Taco Bell on the way home from work; because that’s probably not going to be the best for you. But say, you have a family get together, or a date night and you want to go out…Go. Don’t feel like you can’t be a part of anything anymore because your suddenly on a program that your food is already prepared for you. Maybe your having a family celebration at a relatives house, you can always bring your food with you if you know that what they’re eating may not be the best; or bring your own dessert. There’s nothing wrong with that. But with Nutrisystem it doesn’t limit you to only eating their food. Nutrisystem teaches you how to eat, it teaches you portion sizes. It also incorporates outside food into their program so you can learn to measure, but not so much that it’s overwhelming. If you’re nervous about going out to eat, whether with family, friends, colleagues or a date, just make healthy choices, that’s all. There’s nothing wrong with ordering Mahi-Mahi or Tuna Steak (if they’ve got it) with a side of Asparagus; just limit yourself on the butter or sauce. There’s nothing wrong with eating healthy when you go out to dinner.

I know what you’re thinking, because I’ve thought the same.“Well everyone at my table ordered pizzas to share”And you probably want a slice. Try to remember why you started your program, what your goals are, and where you want to be?
That’s what Nutrisystem is, it’s a program forYOU. To go at your own pace.No one can judge you, but you. You make the decision.So, if you want a piece of pizza; limit yourself to one slice. Get the salad bar (skip the cheese and the croutons and the mac & potato salad) with lots of veggies and choose your dressing wisely. Skip dessert…You will be so much better off with a Nutrisystem dessert than a dessert at a restaurant. (I work in a restaurant & bakery, I know how many calories, carbs and sugars are loaded into that dessert your ordering). Also, make sure that if you are going out for a meal, make sure to skip that Nutrisystem meal; don’t go out for dinner, and then come home and eat your Nutrisystem dinner as well.

Question:

Nutrisystem doesn’t teach you anything about cooking and preparing your own meals. So when you go off the program how will you know what to do?

For anyone who is going to be on this program long term, that is not something you need to be thinking about right at this moment. The most important things you need to be focusing on, are the meals you are supposed to be eating. Not what you’re going to do when you get off the program. I’m someone who will be on the program for a while so I’m in that boat. But since I’ve been asked, I’ll answer. I’ll tell you what you’re not going to do first, you’re not going to back to your old eating habits of grabbing Wendy’s and Taco Bell 2-3 plus times a week, your not going to grab a dessert at a store every single night, you’re not going to have a bowl of candy every night and a blizzard from DQ 3-4 times a week, you’re not going to be eating every unhealthy thing you can think of now that you’ve lost all this weight because from experience the weight comes back on a hell of a lot quicker than it takes to lose. And you dont want to be the person that loses a bunch of weight, gets off the program and then binges themselves right back on.
Now, what you can do…and what I would suggest doing, from experience, I already have the containers but after you lose the weight you need to on Nutrisystem. I would suggest going on the 21 day fix. (and it’s not just for 21 days) I have the 21 day fix, and you can join support groups online from their website, and also from Facebook, and talk with real people. You get the containers you need, shakes, and a booklet that tells you all about the program and foods to buy when your shopping, for each color container. Depending on how much you weigh will tell you how many containers you can have a day. From vegetables, fruits, proteins, carbs, healthy fat, and dressings. It’s very, very easy to follow and easy to grocery shop when you have the pre printed list in your hand.Examples of 21 day fix…

You can make all your meals ahead of time, and you don’t have to measure anything because the containers you have are pre-measured so you just have to be able to fit it into the container and they are a great tool for the long run. 21 day fix is affordable, and you also get an exercise DVD with your program, and I’m telling you when you do the DVDS, Autumn (the woman behind 21 day fix) it’s like she’s talking right to you, pushing you so you don’t give up.
Now, I’m not trying to jump you from one program to the next and I know you’re thinking, “I don’t want to be on programs for the rest of my life.” You don’t have to be. But the 21 day fix is a great way to maintain yourself, just for a little while until you get used to being off a program that has had your meals already prepared for you, for 8 months, 10 months, a year, more. This will get you back into the swing of things as far as eating foods that are not pre made for you. There’s no counting or guessing, you buy what’s on the grocery list, fit into your container, and you eat. I think the price is about $60 bucks (dont quote me on that) but I think around $60 and it’s a one time payment…And you get the containers, you get 2 DVDS with I believe (6) 30 minute work outs; with the work outs there is always someone in the group that shows you how to modify each exercise. You get a Shakeology shaker and also all the info packets. Shakeology is a lot better than getting protein powder where you would have to measure stuff out but is a little expensive and you do have to keep re-ordering that; but now that they make the Nutrisystem shakes and sell them at local stores all you would have to do is just go out and buy those shakes which you’ve probably already grown to love.

But, back to Nutrisystem real quick here…one final point, the question/comment said Nutrisystem doesn’t teach you how to cook or prepare your own meals. If you’re not convinced by everything I’ve said above, then what I can say in the nicest possible way…Is it’s not for everyone, but it does work for a lot of people out there, men & women & me. And that’s what matters.

Question:

Why don’t you just get a gym membership? It’s cheaper.

Right now, getting a gym membership is not a priority. Will it be, down the line yes. But right now my main focus is FOOD…and to focus on getting my meals down, and eating correctly. You can go to the gym and work out for an hour, but if you don’t have a proper healthy eating habit you can undo all your hard work in just one meal or snack. What I’ve done is gotten a pedometer wrist watch and I make it my goal to try and walk 10,000 steps a day.

Will I eventually join a gym down the line….Yes
Am I going to quit my program and just join a gym to save money…No
Millions of people in the world have a gym membership but how often do they really use them. A small percentage of people are dedicated to using the gym & eating healthy. A large percentage use the gym rarely & eat unhealthy with an occasional streak of healthy eating. I’ll focus on food first…Once I hit the 190s then I will start to incorporate a gym. But if you want to join a gym and use your membership go for it. Nothing is holding you back!

Question:

I’ve seen the food you’re eating, it looks really small. How can that be filling? And it looks gross.

Yes, the meals are small. It’s kind of a no brainer, but your on a program that is helping you to lose weight. It’s helping you to show portion size. It’s helping you to realize that most everything else is over eating. When you go out to a restaurant, the food is not in portion size. It is filling actually, because almost every meal you’re having cups of vegetables or fruits or salad with it. And if your following the program, you also get smart carbs & power fuels throughout the day. Someone who is not on the program, and looks at your little container of food can easily jump to the wrong conclusion. You can’t judge when you’re not even on the program. To your next comment, looks can be deceiving.So let’s go with a little set up here. You and I are having dinner together at home. You ordered take away from a great Italian restaurant, Olive Garden. We decided to have the same thing tonight. You’ve ordered Chicken Alfredo. I’m having Chicken Alfredo from Nutrisystem. You look at my small bowl and say “Ewe, that looks gross and it’s so small. I guess I got the better deal.”Your chicken alfredo from Olive Garden has 1,480 calories. 850 calories from fat. 95g of carbs, and 1,480mg of Sodium.My chicken alfredo, from Nutrisystem has 240 calories, 50 calories from fat. 28g of carbs, and 600mg of Sodium.You’ve eaten your whole bowl, I’ve eaten my whole bowl. We’re both ready for dessert. You ordered dessert from Olive Garden to bring home, I’m taking out my Nutrisystem Chocolate cake. I’m adding fat free whip cream too it. You say “Your dessert has nothing on mine. This is so much better.”Your dessert is one of my favorites Black Tie Mousse Cake. It has approx. 759 calories in it. 432 calories from fat, & 73g of carbs.My chocolate cake has 140 calories, 35 calories from fat, 21g of carbs.

So it’s true looks can be deceiving, you may go out to dinner and order a nice meal which looks great and so delicious but most menus aren’t going to tell you how many calories and carbs are in your meal. (While some do, many don’t) so you have no idea that a simple outing can turn into 2 days worth of calories. So who got the better deal again? It may not be a problem for someone who is already at their healthy weight and doesn’t care about putting on a few pounds….But for someone who is desperately trying to lose weight, who cannot afford to put on anymore weight this is why you cannot judge. We are doing what is best for us, not for you. Nutrisystem food is designed for people who want to and need to lose weight, to lose weight but to still be able to enjoy things they are used to. And the looks of my food are deceiving as well, it may not look like much, but I can’t get enough of it. My meal and dessert taste better because I know it’s healthier for me and that’s what makes it so much more enjoyable. You don’t have to like it, I have to like it and I do.

I’ve learned that a lot of people who don’t use Nutrisystem are quick to judge it. “It’s too expensive”, “It’s the lazy way of dieting”, “Can you say bringing back TV dinners.”, “Why waste the money, you’re just going to gain it back anyway.” “I have a life, and it’s too hard to stay on a meal plan.”

A lot of people in this world struggle with their weight, many more than others. Everyone has an opinion that they are going to voice whether it’s positive or negative, and every one has even more excuses that they are going to voice. It’s even more common when you’re doing a program and your friends see it or others see it and they make rude comments. Ignore them, you know it’s working for you, don’t let them and their excuses bring you down. They’re not going to bring me down. I know that I can’t afford to go off the program and it has nothing to do with money. I’m at a point in my life where the last time I was healthy I was 13…I’m 27 and I’ve never been heavier. I want to get out there and meet somebody and start a family, but I can’t do it with my weight holding me back. So I am determined to make this work. I am determined to stay strong and enjoy Nutrisystem while I’ve got it. I don’t think it’s a waste, I’m already seeing improvements. I’m sticking to it, and when I get off Nutrisystem I know I’m not going to go back to my old ways because I know how dangerous that can be.I’m going to stick with females in this next point–because females are the ones that typically voice their opinion about their weight, especially healthy females…You dont have a 200lb woman walking around in a store saying “God I feel so fat.” It’s typically young girls, in their teens or early twenties who feel they have to constantly voice “Ugh, I feel fat today.” And usually in front of someone who is heavy, to make themselves feel better. It’s very uncomfortable and a serious blow right toward me. When you are 120-140lbs and you’ve never weighed much more than that in your entire life…You cannot understand what it’s like to be “feel fat”. If you’ve never weighed more than 200lbs, you don’t even know the fear, the hardships, the depression, the struggle that one goes through.You cannot judge and you can’t go walking around saying “Ugh, I’m so obese today!” because you don’t know what Obese is. So if you have nothing good to say about the program that I’m doing or a friend is doing or if you have nothing good to say about any diet program…don’t say anything…Because we don’t need you to bring us down. We’ll make it work for us. I’m gonna make it work for me.